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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, and troubleshooting controls systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Responsibilities: * Design ...

K&K Technical

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

This role is responsible for the complete controls lifecycle including HMI development, PLC and Safety PLC programming, electrical hardware design, panel layouts, field device layouts, risk ...

Valspec

Controls Engineer (PLC)

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Envista

Automation & Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

The Automation & Controls Engineer alongside the RDT (Research Development and Transformation) team ... Program all software for unique projects with a variety of needs (PLC, HMI/SCADA, Servo, Robotics ...

Valspec

Controls Engineer (PLC)

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

Ferrara

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000 Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA

$96K - $123K/yr

Troubleshoot control systems wiring, PLC / SCADA logic, PLCs, and calibrations, both for issues ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Troubleshoot control systems wiring, PLC / SCADA logic, PLCs, and calibrations, both for issues ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Calabasas, CA · Hybrid

$88K - $114K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements: * Designs, develops ... Develops control logic software and user interface applications for PLC, SCADA, and HMI. Scripted ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

General Purpose of Job: The ideal Controls Engineer is experienced in the design, build ... Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized ...

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All JobsPlc Controls Engineer JobsPlc Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Plc Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$90.8K

$122.4K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in California is $90,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are PLC Controls Engineers?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What Does a PLC Controls Engineer Do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges a PLC Controls Engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.
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Plc Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Beacon Engineering Resources

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer for an opportunity in the Central Valley area. The ideal candidate will have experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, and troubleshooting controls systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
  • Support automation and controls projects from installation through commissioning
  • Troubleshoot electrical controls, instrumentation, VFDs, and related equipment
  • Work with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve system performance and reliability
  • Assist with documentation, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

  • Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems
  • Knowledge of electrical controls, HMIs, SCADA, and instrumentation
  • Manufacturing or industrial experience preferred
  • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills